Education briefs: St. Mary's plans for 100th anniversary

Thursday

May 8, 2014 at 10:54 AMJun 11, 2014 at 8:42 AM

Plans are underway to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Mary's School this fall.There will be an adults-only party on Oct. 24 at the parish hall and celebratory Mass and family party on Oct. 25.School organizers are establishing a database of graduates and former staff members. To add a name to the list, email contact information to 100thanniversary@stmaryswinchester.org or mail to St. Mary's 100th Anniversary Committee, 162 Washington St., Winchester, MA 01890.Volunteers are also wanted to help organize the celebration. For information go to the 100th Anniversary St. Mary's School of Winchester page on Facebook.WHS students are National Merit winnersTwo Winchester High School students were awarded National Merit $2,500 Scholarships this week.Vibha Kannan listed her probable career in the field of economics. Amelia Paine listed her probable career in the field of chemical engineering.Winners are chosen by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors based on their accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies.Students build Guatemalan schools over breakTwenty-nine Winchester students traveled to Guatemala this year to build schools with the non-profit School the World.The students traveled in February and April, spending a week in rural villages, working to build three primary schools and living without running water or electricity in earthen houses. They painted, laid cement and helped in other ways to complete the school buildings.The students, who raised $3,500 each to help pay for the schools, also shadowed members of the community to experience a day in the life of an indigenous villager. They helped grind corn to make tortillas, gathered materials to build houses, weaved cloth and tended crops for sale at the local market.After the schools are built, School the World helps train teachers and parents to support education in the village.